LIBBRA ADMITS CELTIC DESIRE
As planetfootball.com revealed on Thursday, Libbra has been targeted by Celtic as manager Martin O'Neill (pictured) prepares his treble-winning side for the Champions League.
The Frenchman leapt to O'Neill's attention with a brace of goals in The Bhoys` 5-2 win over Hibs, and despite the desire of the Easter Road club to sign him permanently - Celtic's interest could well dictate his destination.
Toulouse still own Libbra, who averaged a goal every-other league game in his short spell at Hibs, and ultimately the French side will sell to the highest bidder.
"I go on holiday tomorrow and Toulouse have told me to keep my phone on," Libbra told the Daily Record.
"They will consult me but it will not be my decision. They want the money. The president told me today he is expecting an offer from Celtic or Hibs.
"This was the first I had heard about Celtic. Nobody from the club has been in contact with me.
"I believe Hibs managing director Rod Petrie will go to Toulouse next week to try to negotiate a deal.
"There have also been enquiries from teams in the French First and Second Divisions. Toulouse's negotiations are starting at £1 million.
"That price might come down - you never know. The president wants an offer first.
"I know a fee of £1 million is too expensive for Hibs.
"I asked for the price to be cut but their position is that although £1 million might be a lot for Hibs, it's not a lot for Celtic.
"So I said, 'What if I want to go to Hibs?' And the president said, 'You can't refuse an offer if Celtic want you.' So he will decide.
"I don't know if people in Scotland are talking about me going to Celtic but it would be very interesting.
"I would be pleased to go there because it is a big club.
"I don't know who I would prefer. I have been very happy at Hibs and I am not entirely sure whether Celtic want me or not.
"However, if they make a good offer it would be very interesting to go there because of the Champions League and because they are such a big club in Scotland. It would be a great opportunity for me.
"I still have a year of my contract to run at Toulouse.
"I am going on holiday to Corsica tomorrow but I know they will call and let me know of any offers. Everything goes through them.
"Hibs told me before I left that they would do everything they can to bring me back.
"I would like to stay in Scotland because I like the style of football - it suits me.
"I have been in France for 10 years but over the last three-and-a-half months I have had a great time in Scotland.
"The mentality and the atmosphere, the preparation of matches - I like everything to do with the football there. I fitted in immediately.
"It is very different from the French Championship but I think there are some excellent players in Scotland.
"When you see the history of Celtic and Rangers, they are really big clubs."
Toulouse`s need to sell will have been heightened by Friday`s revelation that they will be playing football in Division Three next season - after being relegated for financial irregularities.
To read Friday`s story, click here.
